Signal indicator

Abstract

A portable ground insert signal indicator designed to be utilized by an individual to indicate his or her presence in a wooded or forested area and to direct others to his or her location. The signal indicator of the present invention comprises an elongated stake having a flag attached to an upper end portion thereof and a directional indicator pivotably attached to an intermediate portion of the stake. Also provided is a sleeve axially movable on said stake and movable between a closed position where the same encompasses and encloses the directional indicator and said flag and an open position where said directional indicator and said flag are exposed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable lightweight ground insert signal indicator for use by hunters, outdoorsmen and other individuals to indicate an area where such individuals can be found, said portable lightweight ground insert signal indicator comprising: an elongated generally U-shaped stake having an upper end portion and a pointed lower ground insert portion;   a flag secured to the upper end portion of said generally U-shaped stake;   a stop secured to said generally U-shaped stake intermediately between said upper portion and said lower ground insert portion;   a direction indicator secured to said stake intermediately between said stop and the upper end portion of said stake;   means for pivotably mounted said direction indicator for movement between an inoperative position where said direction indicator extends adjacent and along side said stake to an indicating position where said indicator projects outwardly from said stake and points in a direction in which individuals can be found;   an elongated sleeve movably mounted for axial movement on said stake between said stop and the upper end portion of said stake; and   said sleeve being movably mounted for movement from a closed inoperative position about the upper end portion of said stake where said sleeve covers and encases said flag and said direction indicator to an open portion where said sleeve abuts said stop and where said flag and direction indicator are exposed.   
     
     
       2. The portable lightweight ground insert signal indicator of claim 1 wherein said sleeve includes an upper edge that engages and supports said direction indicator in said indicating position when said direction indicator assumes said indicating position and when said sleeve assumes said open operative position; and wherein said direction indicator extends generally normal with respect to said stake when the direction indicator assumes said indicating position. 
     
     
       3. The portable lightweight ground insert signal indicator of claim 2 wherein said sleeve includes a plastic cylindrical member having an opening extending completely therethrough for receiving said stake. 
     
     
       4. The portable lightweight ground insert signal indicator of claim 3 wherein said sleeve includes a lower sleeve extension for functionally engaging said stake and effectively stationing said sleeve on said stake. 
     
     
       5. A ground insert stake type signaling device comprising: an elongated stake having an upper end portion and a lower ground insert end; flag means secured to the upper end portion of said stake; a sleeve axially movable on said stake from a closed inoperative position to an open operative position; said sleeve in said closed inoperative position assuming a position about the upper end portion of said stake where said sleeve confines said flag means within said sleeve; and wherein in said open operative position said sleeve assumes a position spaced downwardly on said stake from said flag means such that said flag means is exposed and not confined within said sleeve; a direction indicator pivotably mounted to said stake and movable from an inoperative position where the direction indicator extends adjacent and along beside said stake and is confined by said sleeve when in the inoperative position to an operative indicating position where the direction indicator is released from said sleeve and projects outwardly from said stake; and stop means secured intermediately on said stake for limiting the movement of said sleeve and for establishing said open operative position as said sleeve is prevented from moving further downwardly on said stake.